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Sometimes a single image can bring together so many different things. I’ve recently become a big fan of the Secret Forts blog, not least because of Valet‘s recent profile of it’s author, James (no surname). ThroughSecret Forts I became of The Hill-side label, which in its attention to detail sums up the kind of reverence for real Americana that I appreciate about New York City. The Hill-side specialise in fine shirting and amazing accesories like the tie featured in this image. And then there’s the model: that grey hair! I love the fact that the volume of his hair suggests youthful exuberance which is somehow actually enhanced by the grey tones of his hair. Still with me? As ever with the web, the circuitous nature of hyperlinks can lead to so many discoveries, all good.

The Times has a feature at the moment detailing the changing size of the common tie as we go through decades of economic change. Apparently John Lewis has announced “a dramatic inch-loss of nearly 25 per cent in width over the past six months” with its most popular ties. Charlie Allen, the famous tailor Brandish recently had an exclusive sit-down with over the new ‘n’ improved England kit, told the Times that “the impact of economic turmoil on tie design can be traced back through the previous recessions of the 20th century. While postwar Britain and the Swinging Sixties embraced exaggerated prints and widths of up to 5in, the downturns of the 1930s and 1980s saw sizes reduce to as little as an inch.”

See after the jump for my Top 5 ‘Skinny Summer ties’– on the cheap for your enjoyment! (They’re all under £10)

Whilst the appetite for formal dressing in menswear shows no sign of slacking, inevitably certain details start to look a bit tired. Thus it is with the bow tie. Whilst some can carry this off with aplomb (as the cover star of last month’s debut Buckmagazine showed) for others it was never going to be easy. There’s something novelty about the bow tie that risks looking too try-hard.

By the time he graduated from high school Alexander Och was in possession of an impressive collection of 300 ties. He started off life as a film student but when he gave out ties as a wrap present to the cast the requests from friends started coming in and he’s not looked back since.

Just two weeks ago, Brandish reviewed the first edition of the Sunday Times Style Magazine’s ‘Mr Mills’ menswear and style column. I decided that Mills needed to brighten up a bit and make the column a little more cheery and summer-inclined if he was to hold the attention of readers. Well, call me egotistical, but is it pure coincidence that the latest edition of the column featured pieces on swim trunks, sunglasses, lime green hair oil and bright-coloured ties?

While most men opt for the safe bet of ties, socks and other traditional Father’s Day gifts, I have always wanted to get something better. I spend weeks and months searching for something perfect in its masculine luxury, but when your dad works for Tesco’s your options are sadly limited. As a result, I often end up presentless and apologetic by the Third Sunday of June (like today, for instance.)

I was a fan of Isabelle’s ‘Caviar’ ties but only this afternoon (how horrendously cruel is that?) found these Prada Lifestlye sets.